Brits are bracing for searing heat as an amber heat warning comes into effect today – before the first-ever red warning for extreme heat is implemented tomorrow.
‘Furnace Britain’ will be hotter than Delhi and the Sahara Desert on Monday with experts predicting the mercury could reach 41C – double the UK summer average.
Yesterday, Ministers held a Cobra meeting to discuss the health effects of the heatwave after a national emergency was declared – but warned schools not to close.
It is the UK’s first red extreme heat warning as temperatures soar towards 40C for the first time on record.Meteorologists have given an 80 per cent chance of the mercury topping the UK’s record of 38.7C, set in Cambridge in 2019.
The same meteorologists are given a 50-50 chance of the 40C barrier being passed in Britain on Monday or Tuesday.
There are fears thousands could die and the health service has put on extra ambulance capacity and more 111 call handlers.
A body was pulled from the water at Salford Quays last night as Brits turn to swimming to attempt to cool off during the heat.
Met Office Chief Executive Penny Endersby said: ‘Here in the UK we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in the sun. This is not that sort of weather.’
Pictured: Bournemouth beach was packed yesterday as the weather gets better by the day and the temperatures soar this weekend
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